11 Facts About Fernando Couto

At international level, Couto represented the Portugal national team in 110 games, taking part in the 2002 World Cup as well as three European Championships.

Fernando Couto was then released, spending one year apiece with FC Famalicao and Academica.

Fernando Couto returned to Porto in 1990, being an instrumental defensive unit in the conquest of six titles during his four-year spell.

In summer 1996, Fernando Couto signed a four-year deal with FC Barcelona, moving alongside former Porto teammate Vitor Baia and English manager Bobby Robson as Luis Figo was playing for the La Liga club.

In 2001, Fernando Couto failed a doping test for the steroid nandrolone.

Fernando Couto denied having taken forbidden substances, but his "B" test confirmed the finding and he eventually served four months out of a nine-month worldwide ban for the offence.

Fernando Couto has appeared regularly for Lazio in the following seasons.

In 2005, aged 36, Fernando Couto returned to Parma after 11 years as Lazio was unable to match his wage demands for a contract renewal.

Fernando Couto made his debut for the senior team on 19 December 1990, in a friendly with the United States played in Maia.

Fernando Couto was selected as captain for Euro 2004, which was played on home soil, starting in the first game against Greece but eventually being relegated to the bench by Ricardo Carvalho; Portugal went on to reach the final of the tournament, in which the team suffered a defeat against the same opponent.

Fernando Couto was known for his ability in the air, as well as his capacity to start quick attacking plays after winning back the ball.